WO2009130840A1

WO2009130840A1 - Vehicle-mounted information system

Info

Publication number: WO2009130840A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/001066
Authority: WO
Inventors: 永野聡一; 中井良弘
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2008-04-23
Filing date: 2009-03-10
Publication date: 2009-10-29
Also published as: JP2011143732A

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted information system is provided with a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) connected to an in-vehicle LAN (7), an external communication unit (6) which is connected to the in-vehicle LAN and communicates with outside, and a plurality of mobile devices (8) which access the vehicle-mounted devices by connecting with the external communication unit by communication.

Description

In-vehicle information system

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle information system applied to a vehicle, and more particularly to a technique for improving the convenience of the in-vehicle information system.

In recent years, as one of in-vehicle information systems, a plurality of in-vehicle devices such as a navigation device, a monitor, and an AV (Audio Visual) device are connected to an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network), and these in-vehicle apparatuses communicate with each other. On the other hand, an in-vehicle information system that enables navigation or watching movies or music has been developed.

However, at present, there are few in-vehicle information systems in which multiple monitors are connected. In particular, in a passenger car that can accommodate a large number of people, such as 7 to 8 people, the seats are arranged in three rows, for example, and it is difficult to see and operate the monitor attached to the front from the last seat It is. On the other hand, it is uneconomical to attach a monitor to the rear seat, which is less frequently used, for vehicles that normally use one or two passengers and have few people in the rear seat. is there.

Therefore, a technology for improving the convenience of the in-vehicle information system using an external device has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle information system that can set a destination or a waypoint from a mobile device outside the vehicle to an in-vehicle navigation device before boarding.

JP 2003-329474 A

The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above assumes communication from a single user to the in-vehicle navigation device, and does not assume communication from a plurality of users on board. Therefore, it is desired to develop a technology that allows a plurality of users on board to access the in-vehicle information system by communication.

The present invention has been made to meet the above-described demand, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle information system capable of accessing a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to a network using mobile devices owned by individuals. .

In order to solve the above problems, an in-vehicle information system according to the present invention communicates with a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to an in-vehicle LAN, an external communication unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and communicating with the outside, and an external communication unit. And a plurality of mobile devices that access a plurality of in-vehicle devices by connection.

According to the in-vehicle information system according to the present invention, a mobile device brought in from outside is connected to an external communication unit by communication, thereby accessing a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN and displaying on these in-vehicle devices. Can be obtained, and these in-vehicle devices can be operated.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other structure of the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the external communication unit used with the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure for displaying the simple screen of the external communication unit used with the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the vehicle interior to which the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention was applied. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of displaying information generated by the navigation device on the mobile device in the in-vehicle information system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the initial stage operation screen displayed in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the navigation apparatus displayed in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the present location display screen of the navigation apparatus displayed in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of displaying information generated by a DVD player on a mobile device in the in-vehicle information system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen at the time of the priority of the DVD player displayed in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen at the time of the non-priority of the DVD player displayed in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the mobile communication process performed by the main process in the vehicle-mounted information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the vehicle equipment communication process performed by the main process in the vehicle information system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Hereinafter, in order to describe the present invention in more detail, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle information system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This in-vehicle information system is configured by connecting in-vehicle devices such as a navigation device 1, a display control device 2, an amplifier 3, an AV device 4, an in-vehicle camera 5 and an external communication unit 6 to an in-vehicle LAN 7. In addition, although the vehicle-mounted information system shown in FIG. 1 has shown the case where ring type LAN is used, bus type LAN as shown in FIG. 2 can also be used. As the LAN, a wired LAN using a cable or a wireless LAN can be used. Moreover, it can also comprise so that it may connect between several vehicle equipment using Bluetooth.

The navigation device 1 executes a process for realizing a navigation function such as route search or route guidance. The processing result by the navigation device 1 is sent to the display control device 2, the amplifier 3 and the external communication unit 6 via the in-vehicle LAN 7.

The monitor 2a is connected to the display control device 2. The display control device 2 generates a drawing signal based on the video signal sent from the navigation device 1, the AV device 4, the in-vehicle camera 5, and the external communication unit 6 via the in-vehicle LAN 7, and sends the drawing signal to the monitor 2a. The monitor 2a corresponds to the “monitor of the navigation device” in the present invention, and displays an image based on a drawing signal sent from the display control device 2.

The speaker 3a is connected to the amplifier 3. The amplifier 3 amplifies the audio signal sent from the navigation device 1, the AV device 4 or the external communication unit 6 via the in-vehicle LAN 7 and sends it to the speaker 3a. The speaker 3a generates sound according to the amplified audio signal sent from the amplifier 3.

The AV device 4 includes, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) player, a DTV (Digital Television), or a game machine. The DVD player reproduces data recorded on the attached DVD to generate a video signal and an audio signal, and sends them to the display control device 2, the amplifier 3 and the external communication unit 6. The DTV generates a video signal and an audio signal based on the received radio wave and sends them to the display control device 2, the amplifier 3 and the external communication unit 6. The game machine reproduces data recorded on the recording medium to generate a video signal and an audio signal, and sends them to the display control device 2, the amplifier 3 and the external communication unit 6.

The in-vehicle camera 5 captures the area around the vehicle. An image obtained by this photographing is sent to the display control device 2 as a video signal.

A plurality of mobile devices 8 are connected to the external communication unit 6 by a communication method using cables, infrared rays, or weak radio waves such as Bluetooth. The external communication unit 6 controls wired communication, infrared communication, or communication using weak radio waves performed with the external mobile device 8. As the mobile device 8, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like can be used.

Currently, the communication speed of Bluetooth widely used is about 1 to 3 Mbps. On the other hand, the one-segment (DTV) used as the AV device 4 is 128 to 192 kbps, the video CD is 1150 to 1374 kbps, the DVD-Video is 9.8 Mbps, and the full-segment (DTV) is 15 Mbps. Therefore, when the external communication unit 6 and a plurality of mobile devices 8 are connected by Bluetooth, the data of one segment (DTV) and video CD can be transmitted as they are, but the data of DVD-Video and full segment (DTV) are A compression process or a thinning process is performed.

In this case, instead of Bluetooth, if the external communication unit 6 and a plurality of mobile devices 8 are connected using a wireless communication method called UWB (Ultra Wide Band), which is now widespread, DVD-Video and full segment ( DTV) data can also be transmitted as it is.

Note that the mobile device 8 can be configured to connect to the external communication unit 6 using a card slot or the like. Further, the external communication unit 6 can be configured to be built in any of the in-vehicle devices, or can be configured to be attached to any of the in-vehicle devices using a connector or the like.

Next, the details of the external communication unit 6 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external communication unit 6. The external communication unit 6 includes a LAN communication control unit 11, a mobile communication control unit 12, a temporary storage unit 13, an ID management unit 14, a display data generation unit 15, and a state management unit 16.

The LAN communication control unit 11 controls communication with the in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle LAN 7. Specifically, the LAN communication control unit 11 receives data sent from the in-vehicle device via the in-vehicle LAN 7 and sends the data to the state management unit 16, and sends the data sent from the state management unit 16 to the inside of the vehicle It transmits to in-vehicle equipment via LAN7.

The mobile communication control unit 12 controls communication with a plurality of mobile devices 8. Specifically, the mobile communication control unit 12 receives data from the plurality of mobile devices 8 and sends the data to the state management unit 16, and transmits data sent from the state management unit 16 to the plurality of mobile devices 8. To do.

The temporary storage unit 13 temporarily stores data sent from the state management unit 16. The data stored in the temporary storage unit 13 is read by the state management unit 16. The ID management unit 14 manages a unique number (ID) assigned to each of the plurality of mobile devices 8. The ID stored in the ID management unit 14 is read by the state management unit 16.

The display data generation unit 15 generates display data based on the data sent from the state management unit 16. The display data generated by the display data generation unit 15 is sent to the state management unit 16. The state management unit 16 controls the LAN communication control unit 11, the mobile communication control unit 12, the temporary storage unit 13, the ID management unit 14, and the display data generation unit 15. Details of the processing performed by the state management unit 16 will be described later.

The operation of the external communication unit 6 configured as described above will be described separately for "a data transmission procedure from the in-vehicle device to the mobile device" and "a command transmission procedure from the mobile device to the in-vehicle device".

(1) Data transmission procedure from in-vehicle device to mobile device (1-1) The LAN communication control unit 11 receives data from the in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle LAN 7.
(1-2) The LAN communication control unit 11 sends the received data to the state management unit 16.
(1-3) The state management unit 16 determines which of the in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN 7 is sent, and sends the data to the temporary storage unit 13 for storage for each in-vehicle device. To do.
(1-4) When there is a reception request from the mobile device 8, the state management unit 16 reads the corresponding data from the temporary storage unit 13, and sends the reception request via the mobile communication control unit 12. Transmit to device 8. When there are a plurality of mobile devices 8 that have made a reception request, the above-described processing is repeated for the number of reception requests. Further, when there is only one mobile device 8 that has made a reception request, the data received from the in-vehicle device is sent to the mobile device 8 that has made the reception request without storing the data in the temporary storage unit 13. it can. Further, when there is no mobile device 8 that has made a reception request, the received data is not stored in the temporary storage unit 13, but the process can be terminated and the process can return to waiting for reception of the next data.
(1-5) After transmitting data to the mobile device 8 that has made the reception request, the transmitted data stored in the temporary storage unit 13 is deleted. At this time, as an actual operation, when the next data is received, the transmitted data can be overwritten and the data erasing operation can be omitted.

(2) Command transmission procedure from mobile device to in-vehicle device (2-1) The mobile communication control unit 12 receives data from the mobile device 8.
(2-2) The mobile communication control unit 12 sends the received data from the mobile device 8 to the state management unit 16.
(2-3) The state management unit 16 refers to the ID management unit 14 to confirm the ID of the mobile device 8, and according to the content of the received data and the state (mode) managed for each mobile device 8. The screen data created by the display data generation unit 15 is transmitted to the mobile device 8, or the data of the corresponding in-vehicle device stored in the temporary storage unit 13 is transmitted to the mobile device 8, or the corresponding in-vehicle device An operation request is sent to.
(2-4) The state management unit 16 updates the state (mode) managed for each mobile device 8 in accordance with a command transmitted from the mobile device 8 or the like.

By the way, when a mobile phone is used as the mobile device 8, since the display area of the display unit of the mobile phone is small, for example, it is difficult to display a map displayed on the navigation device 1 as it is. Therefore, when a mobile phone is used as the mobile device 8, a simple image can be displayed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external communication unit 6a for displaying a simple image. The external communication unit 6a is configured by adding a data storage unit 17 to the external communication unit 6 described above. The data storage unit 17 stores simple map data for the mobile device 8.

When the current position data is received from the navigation device 1 via the LAN communication control unit 11, the state management unit 16 receives simple map data around the position indicated by the current position data from the data storage unit 17 and the display data generation unit 15. Is transmitted to the mobile device 8 via the mobile communication control unit 12. Thereby, a simple map is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8 (mobile phone). When the current position data is obtained from the mobile device 8, simple map data around the position indicated by the current position data is read from the data storage unit 17 via the display data generation unit 15, and the mobile communication control unit 12 It can be configured to transmit to the mobile device 8 via.

It should be noted that the simple map data can also be configured to be held inside the navigation device 1. In the case of this configuration, when there is a map data display request from the mobile device 8, the external communication unit 6 transmits the request to the navigation device 1. Upon receiving the map data display request, the navigation device 1 extracts simple map data around the current position detected by the mobile device 1 from the mobile data storage unit (not shown), and the mobile device via the external communication unit 6. 8 to send.

Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 5 shows an image of a vehicle interior to which this in-vehicle information system is applied. An external communication unit 6 for communicating with a plurality of mobile devices 8 is connected to an in-vehicle LAN 7, and via the in-vehicle LAN 7, a navigation device (navigation) 1, a monitor 2a, an amplifier 3, an AV device (DVD, DTV). ) Data can be transmitted to and received from in-vehicle devices such as 4 and the in-vehicle camera 5.

For example, when a DVD player as the AV device 4 plays a DVD and is viewed on the monitor 2a, the data transmitted from the DVD player to the monitor 2a is acquired by the external communication unit 6 and transmitted to the mobile device 8. By doing so, the same video as the video displayed on the vehicle-mounted monitor 2 a can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. In addition, when a video other than a DVD, for example, a video from a navigation device 1, a DTV as an AV device 4, a vehicle-mounted camera 5, or the like is displayed on the in-vehicle monitor 2a, the mobile device 8 to the external communication unit 6 and the vehicle interior By operating the DVD player via the LAN 7 and transmitting DVD data only from the DVD player to the external communication unit 6, the external communication unit 6 transmits the DVD data to the mobile device 8. The video of the DVD can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8 without affecting the video displayed on 2a.

Next, an outline of the operation of the above-described in-vehicle information system will be described with reference to a sequence diagram. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a normal operation when information generated by the navigation device 1 is displayed on the mobile device 8.

First, an operation for matching the IDs for communication between the external communication unit 6 and the mobile device 8 is performed. As a result, the ID assigned to the mobile device 8 is stored in the ID management unit 14 of the external communication unit 6. When the mobile device 8 is a mobile phone, for example, a telephone number can be used as the ID. Hereinafter, communication between the mobile device 8 and the external communication unit 6 is permitted only when the IDs match.

When the above operation is completed, an operation screen request is transmitted from the mobile device 8 to the external communication unit 6. The external communication unit 6 transmits information on the initial operation screen including information indicating operable in-vehicle devices to the mobile device 8 as a response to the operation screen request. Thereby, an initial operation screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. In this example of the initial operation screen, “Navigation”, “Camera”, “DVD”, and “DTV” are displayed, and the navigation device 1, the in-vehicle camera 5, the DVD player as the AV device 4, and the AV device 4, respectively. This indicates that the DTV can be operated. Note that “mobile communication” in FIG. 7 is the title of the initial operation screen, and “end” is used to end communication between the mobile device 8 and the external communication unit 6. While this initial operation screen is displayed, the user selects a device.

When any of “Navigation”, “Camera”, “DVD” or “DTV” in the initial operation screen is selected, the mobile device 8 uses information indicating the selected in-vehicle device as device selection information. Transmit to the external communication unit 6. In response to the device selection information, the external communication unit 6 transmits information on the operation screen of the in-vehicle device selected by the device selection information to the mobile device 8 as information on the device-specific operation screen. As a result, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. This operation screen shows an example in the case where “Navigation” is selected on the initial operation screen shown in FIG. 7, and “current location”, “destination”, “route”, “VICS” and “neighboring facilities” are displayed. Is displayed. These indicate functions that can be executed by the navigation device 1. Note that “Navigation” in FIG. 7 is the title of the operation screen, and “Return” is used to instruct to return to the previous screen (initial operation screen). While this operation screen is displayed, the user selects a function.

When any one of “current location”, “destination”, “route”, “VICS”, or “neighboring facilities” is selected, the mobile device 8 uses the information indicating the selected function as an information request to the external communication unit 6. Send to. The external communication unit 6 sends the information request received from the mobile device 8 to the selected in-vehicle device (in this case, the navigation device 1). The in-vehicle device transmits its own status to the external communication unit 6 as a response to the information request, and then transmits data to the external communication unit 6.

The external communication unit 6 transmits the status and data sequentially transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the mobile device 8. As a result, a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. This screen shows an example in which “current location” is selected on the operation screen shown in FIG. 8, and a map around the current location is displayed together with a vehicle mark indicating the current location of the vehicle.

Next, the normal operation when information generated by the DVD player as the AV device 4 is displayed on the mobile device 8 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

The operation from the operation for matching the ID for communication between the external communication unit 6 and the mobile device 8 to the display of the initial operation screen is the same as the operation for displaying the information of the navigation device 1 on the mobile device 8 described above. It is.

When “DVD” in the initial operation screen is selected, the mobile device 8 transmits information indicating the selected in-vehicle device, that is, a DVD player, to the external communication unit 6 as device selection information. As a response to the device selection information, if the in-vehicle device selected by the device selection information, that is, the DVD player is in an operable state, the external communication unit 6 displays information on the operation screen indicating that fact on the device-specific operation. The information is transmitted to the mobile device 8 as screen information. As a result, a screen having operation buttons as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. The operation button is used to instruct the operation of the DVD player. Note that “DVD” in FIG. 11 is the title of the operation screen. While this screen is displayed, the user operates the DVD player.

When any of the operation buttons on the operation screen is operated, the mobile device 8 transmits information indicating the operated function to the external communication unit 6 as an information request. The external communication unit 6 sends the information request received from the mobile device 8 to the selected in-vehicle device (in this case, a DVD player as the AV device 4). The in-vehicle device transmits a status to the external communication unit 6 as a response to the information request, and then transmits data corresponding to the operation button, for example, data obtained by playing a DVD, to the external communication unit 6.

The external communication unit 6 sequentially transmits the status and data transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the mobile device 8. As a result, a screen corresponding to the operated operation button is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. For example, when a play button (>) among the operation buttons is operated, a screen for playing a DVD mounted on the DVD player is displayed on the display unit. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, in order to indicate that the mobile device 8 is “priority”, the operation button is displayed and the priority button is not displayed. In this state, the user can operate the DVD player. Thereafter, as a response, the mobile device 8 transmits a message indicating completion of display to the external communication unit 6. Thereafter, data reception, display, and response are repeatedly executed, and an image is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8.

When an information request is sent from the mobile device 8 to the in-vehicle device (DVD player as the AV device 4) via the external communication unit 6, the in-vehicle device is already being used by another mobile device 8. If there is, the in-vehicle device transmits a status indicating that it is already in use to the external communication unit 6 as a response to the information request, and then sends the same data as that transmitted to the mobile device 8 that is already in use. Transmit to the external communication unit 6.

The external communication unit 6 sequentially transmits the status and data transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the mobile device 8. As a result, the same image as the image displayed on the display unit of another mobile device 8 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, in order to indicate that the mobile device 8 is “non-priority”, the operation button is hidden and the priority button is displayed. In this state, the user cannot operate the DVD player. Thereafter, as a response, the mobile device 8 transmits a message indicating completion of display to the external communication unit 6. Thereafter, data reception, display, and response are repeatedly performed, and the same video as the video displayed on the display unit of the other mobile device 8 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile device 8.

In addition, when the connection of the mobile device 8 that uses the in-vehicle device as “priority” is released, or when the mobile device 8 is changed to use another in-vehicle device, the “non-priority” mobile device 8 sequentially The highest priority among the “non-priority” mobile devices 8 becomes “priority”. In addition, the “priority” can be switched when the “non-priority” mobile device 8 operates the priority button to request “priority”.

In the above description, the case where the mobile device 8 accesses the DVD player as the navigation device 1 and the AV device 4 has been described. However, almost the same control can be performed for other in-vehicle devices. Moreover, although the case where an image | video was displayed on the screen of the mobile device 8 based on the data obtained from the vehicle equipment was demonstrated, audio | voice data or character data etc. can also be included in the data obtained from a vehicle equipment. In addition, it is possible to transmit the data stored in the mobile device 8 to the in-vehicle device and output it.

Next, detailed operations of the external communication unit 6 for realizing the above-described functions will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the state management unit 16 of the external communication unit 6.

In this main process, first, initialization is performed (step ST11). In this initial setting, the inside of the external communication unit 6 is initialized, and processing corresponding to an operation for matching the ID for communication between the external communication unit 6 and the mobile device 8, that is, given to the mobile device 8. Processing for storing the ID in the ID management unit 14 of the external communication unit 6 is performed.

Next, power control is performed (step ST12). Next, mobile communication processing is performed (step ST13). That is, the external communication unit 6 executes processing for performing communication with the mobile device 8. Details of this mobile communication will be described later. Next, in-vehicle device communication processing is performed (step ST14). That is, the external communication unit 6 performs a process for performing communication with the in-vehicle device. Details of this in-vehicle device communication will be described later. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST12, and the above-described processing is repeated.

Next, details of the mobile communication process performed in step ST13 of the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the mobile communication process, first, mobile communication reception is performed (step ST21). That is, the mobile communication control unit 12 of the external communication unit 6 receives data sent from the mobile device 8 and sends it to the state management unit 16.

Next, ID confirmation is performed (step ST22). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the ID of the mobile device 8 that is the transmission source of the data received in step ST21 matches the ID stored in the ID management unit 14. If the ID cannot be confirmed in step ST22, that is, if they do not match, the sequence returns to the main process.

On the other hand, if the ID can be confirmed in step ST22, it is then checked whether or not the operation screen is requested (step ST23). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data transmitted from the mobile communication control unit 12 is an operation screen request. If it is determined in step ST23 that the operation screen is requested, initial operation screen transmission is performed (step ST24). That is, the state management unit 16 transmits information on the initial operation screen including information indicating an in-vehicle device that can be operated to the mobile device 8 via the mobile communication control unit 12 as a response to the operation screen request. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

If it is determined in step ST23 that the operation screen request is not requested, it is then checked whether or not it is device selection information (step ST25). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data sent from the mobile communication control unit 12 is device selection information. If it is determined in step ST25 that it is device selection information, device-specific operation screen transmission is performed (step ST26). That is, as a response to the device selection information, the state management unit 16 uses the information on the operation screen of the in-vehicle device selected by the device selection information as information on the device-specific operation screen via the mobile communication control unit 12. Send to. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

If it is determined in step ST25 that the information is not device selection information, it is then checked whether it is a navigation command (step ST27). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data transmitted from the mobile communication control unit 12 is a command for the navigation device 1. If it is determined in step ST27 that it is a navigation command, navigation command transmission is performed (step ST28). That is, the state management unit 16 transmits the data received in step ST21, that is, the navigation command to the navigation device 1 via the LAN communication control unit 11. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

If it is determined in step ST27 that the command is not a navigation command, it is then checked whether it is in a priority state (step ST29). That is, the state management unit 16 confirms whether the mobile device 8 has priority. If it is determined in this step ST29 that it is not in the priority state, it is then checked whether it is a priority switching request (step ST30). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data transmitted from the mobile communication control unit 12 is data requesting switching of the priority state of the in-vehicle device.

If it is determined in step ST30 that the request is not a priority switching request, the sequence returns to the main process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST30 that the request is a priority switching request, priority switching processing is performed (step ST31). That is, the state management unit 16 switches the priority order of the mobile device 8 stored therein. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

If it is determined in step ST29 that it is in the priority state, it is then checked whether it is a DVD command (step ST32). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data transmitted from the mobile communication control unit 12 is a command for the DVD player as the AV device 4. If it is determined in step ST32 that the command is a DVD command, DVD command transmission is performed (step ST33). That is, the state management unit 16 transmits the data received in step ST21, that is, the DVD command, to the DVD player as the AV device 4 via the LAN communication control unit 11. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

If it is determined in step ST32 that the command is not a DVD command, other processing is performed (step ST34). That is, the processing for the in-vehicle device other than the in-vehicle device described above, that is, the DTV as the AV device 4 and the in-vehicle camera 5 is performed in the same procedure as described above. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process. In FIG. 14, in the case of another device such as a DTV in the example of DVD in the portion surrounded by a dotted line, “DVD” is replaced as it is and enters the “other processing” frame.

Next, details of the in-vehicle device communication process performed in step ST14 of the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the in-vehicle device communication process, first, in-vehicle device communication reception is performed (step ST41). That is, the LAN communication control unit 11 of the external communication unit 6 receives data sent from the in-vehicle device and sends it to the state management unit 16.

Next, it is checked whether the data is from the navigation (navigation device 1) (step ST42). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data sent from the LAN communication control unit 11 is data sent from the navigation device 1. If it is determined in step ST42 that the data is not from the navigation, the sequence proceeds to step ST45.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST42 that the data is from the navigation system, then ID confirmation is performed (step ST43). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the ID of the mobile device 8 that requested the data matches the ID stored in the ID management unit 14. If the ID cannot be confirmed in step ST43, that is, if they do not match, the sequence returns to the main process.

On the other hand, if the IDs can be confirmed in step ST43, that is, if they match, navigation data transmission is performed (step ST44). That is, the state management unit 16 transmits the data received in step ST41 to the mobile device 8 via the mobile communication control unit 12. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process.

In step ST45, it is checked whether or not the data is from a DVD (DVD player as the AV device 4). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether the data transmitted from the LAN communication control unit 11 is data transmitted from a DVD player as the AV device 4. If it is determined in step ST45 that the data is from a DVD, then ID confirmation is performed (step ST46). That is, the state management unit 16 extracts one ID from the ID management unit 14 and checks whether it matches the ID of the mobile device 8 that is the data request source. In step ST46, if the IDs can be confirmed, that is, if they match, DVD data transmission is performed (step ST47). That is, the state management unit 16 transmits the data received in step ST41 to the mobile device 8 that has been confirmed to match the ID via the mobile communication control unit 12. On the other hand, if the IDs cannot be confirmed in step ST46, that is, if they do not match, the process of step ST47 is skipped.

Next, it is checked whether or not all IDs have been confirmed (step ST48). That is, the state management unit 16 checks whether or not processing for all IDs stored in the ID management unit 14 has been completed. If it is determined in step ST48 that all IDs have not been confirmed, the next ID is then extracted (step ST49). That is, the state management unit 16 extracts the next ID from the ID management unit 14. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST46, and the above-described processing is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST48 that the confirmation of all IDs has been completed, the sequence returns to the main process. Through the processes in steps ST46 to ST49, the video reproduced by one DVD player can be transmitted to the plurality of mobile devices 8.

If it is determined in step ST45 that the data is not from a DVD, other processing is performed (step ST50). That is, the processing for the in-vehicle device other than the in-vehicle device described above, that is, the DTV as the AV device 4 and the in-vehicle camera 5 is performed in the same procedure as described above. Thereafter, the sequence returns to the main process. In FIG. 15, in the case of another device such as a DTV in the example of DVD in the portion surrounded by a dotted line, “DVD” is replaced as it is and enters the “other processing” frame.

As described above, according to the in-vehicle information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device 8 brought in from the outside is connected to the external communication unit 6 by communication, so that a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN 7 are connected. The information displayed on these in-vehicle devices can be obtained, and these in-vehicle devices can be operated. Accordingly, the vehicle owner can easily obtain information displayed on the in-vehicle device by bringing the mobile device 8 owned by the passenger into the vehicle without attaching a monitor or the like to all seats of the vehicle. .

As described above, the in-vehicle information system according to the present invention communicates with a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN, the external communication unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and communicating with the outside, and the external communication unit. To provide a plurality of mobile devices that access a plurality of in-vehicle devices, access a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN, obtain information displayed on these in-vehicle devices, Since these in-vehicle devices can be operated, a plurality of in-vehicle devices are connected to the in-vehicle LAN, and the plurality of in-vehicle devices communicate with each other to enable navigation, watching movies or music, etc. Suitable for use in information systems.

Claims

A plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN;
An external communication unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and communicating with the outside;
An in-vehicle information system comprising: a plurality of mobile devices that access the plurality of in-vehicle devices by connecting to the external communication unit by communication.
The plurality of in-vehicle devices include a navigation device,
The external communication unit transmits a video signal representing video displayed on the monitor received from the navigation device,
The in-vehicle information system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mobile devices receives a video signal transmitted from the external communication unit and displays a video based on the video signal.
The external communication unit transmits a video signal representing a simplified image obtained by simplifying the image displayed on the monitor received from the navigation device,
The in-vehicle information system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of mobile devices receives a video signal transmitted from the external communication unit and displays a simple image based on the video signal.
Multiple in-vehicle devices include AV (Audio Visual) devices,
The external communication unit transmits a video signal representing an image reproduced by the AV device and an audio signal representing sound,
The in-vehicle information system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of mobile devices displays a video based on a video signal transmitted from the AV device and outputs a sound based on the audio signal.
Each of the plurality of mobile devices transmits a control signal for controlling a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN to the external communication unit,
The external communication unit controls one of a plurality of in-vehicle devices connected to the in-vehicle LAN according to a control signal received from each of the plurality of mobile devices. In-vehicle information system.
Each of the plurality of mobile devices has a unique number,
The in-vehicle information system according to claim 1, wherein the external communication unit determines a control range according to the unique number.
The in-vehicle information system according to claim 1, wherein communication between the external communication unit and the plurality of mobile devices is performed by wired communication, infrared communication, or communication by weak radio waves.